Belgium backs Gaza sanctions debate ahead of EU foreign ministers’ summit
Belgium’s core cabinet has reached a consensus on its position regarding the crisis in Gaza. It has agreed to endorse humanitarian actions and support the prospect of EU-level sanctions ahead of Tuesday’s key summit of European foreign ministers in Brussels.
Foreign minister Maxime Prévot has been given a mandate to back a call for an investigation into Israel’s adherence to Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, which links cooperation to human rights obligations. The probe could pave the way for a suspension of the agreement, though Belgium stresses the final decision rests with the European Commission.
Belgium also backs targeted sanctions at EU level against violent Israeli settlers, Hamas officials, and political and military leaders from both sides responsible for atrocities.
Prévot stressed the need for a firmer approach. “Declarations are no longer enough in the face of the horrific situation on the ground," he said. "The diplomatic and operational actions agreed by the core cabinet open new perspectives and allow Belgium to maintain its credibility as a constant defender of international law, especially humanitarian law. These are clear signals.”
”The actions agreed by the core cabinet allow Belgium to maintain its credibility as a constant defender of international law, especially humanitarian law"
Belgium, aligning with a recent resolution backed by the federal majority parties, thus reaffirms its support for the French-Saudi initiative and an international conference next month aimed at advancing recognition of Palestine and a two-state solution.
The EU ministers’ summit will also assess growing calls from several member states, including the Netherlands and Spain, for tougher measures. However, consensus remains elusive, with countries like Hungary and Czechia firmly opposed to sanctions and Germany remaining cautious.
'Drop in the ocean'
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates. Under US pressure, Israel has allowed a few UN aid trucks into the territory - the first in 11 weeks. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled the move a temporary concession.
The UN’s leading humanitarian official welcomed the delivery but warned it was “a drop in the ocean” for Gaza’s 2.1 million residents.
Israeli airstrikes on Monday reportedly killed at least 100 people. Civilians in Khan Younis have been told to evacuate ahead of an “unprecedented” attack there.
Belgian Foreign minister Maxime Prevot © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND
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